Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is one of the most fascinating and historically layered churches in Rome. Located a few steps from the Colosseum, this basilica offers a journey through the history of the city, from Roman origins to the medieval era, up to the present day. Its structure is composed of three distinct levels, each representing a different era in Rome’s history. The lowest level dates back to the 1st century AD and houses the remains of a Roman domus, a typical aristocratic residence of the time. This dwelling was later converted into a Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the god Mithras, whose cult was particularly popular among Roman soldiers. The well-preserved Mithraeum includes an altar and depictions representing mythological scenes related to the god. Above the Mithraeum is the paleochristian basilica from the 4th century, built after the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted freedom of worship to Christians. This church was expanded and decorated over the centuries, and its walls are still adorned with extraordinary frescoes. Among these, stand out those commissioned by the benefactor couple Beno de Rapiza and Maria Macellaria in the 11th century, depicting scenes from the life of San Clemente and other saints. A particularly famous fresco depicts the legend of Sisinnio, an episode that contains one of the earliest written testimonies of the Italian vernacular. In the 12th century, due to the deterioration of the underlying structure, a new basilica was built on top of the ancient one. This building, which is still the upper church of San Clemente today, was completed under the pontificate of Pope Paschal II. The medieval basilica preserves a splendid Cosmatesque floor and a marble choir with decorative elements dating back to the lower basilica. The most impressive element of the upper basilica is the apse mosaic, dated to the 1130s, depicting the Triumph of the Cross. This mosaic combines Christian themes with decorative motifs inspired by classical art, such as acanthus scrolls and cherubs. The basilica underwent further modifications in the 18th century, when Pope Clement XI ordered a complete restoration. During this period, the coffered ceiling and stucco decorations that still enrich the interior of the church were added. In the Chapel of San Domenico and the Chapel of San Cirillo and Metodio, which contains the relics of San Cirillo, there are further examples of sacred art from the Baroque period.